Sightseeing · Janakpur
Mithila Art Centre
Women's co-operatives where you can watch Mithila folk painting being made and buy the bold, colourful works.
- Rating
- ★ 4.4 (250)
- Price
- $
- Address
- Janakpur, Madhesh Province
Mithila art — also known as Madhubani painting — is the living folk tradition of the region around Janakpur, and one of the most colourful experiences in the Terai. Created largely by local women, it covers walls, paper and cloth with bold patterns of deities, fish, peacocks and flowers in bright, flat colours.
What to expect
The best way to encounter it is at a women's art co-operative, where you can often watch artists at work and buy pieces directly — paintings, cards, textiles and more. Buying from a co-operative supports the women who keep the tradition alive and earns them a fair share of the sale.
Good to know
- Etiquette: Ask before photographing the artists or their work, and handle paintings carefully.
- Buying: Prices are usually fixed and fair at co-operatives; a small painting makes an easy, packable souvenir.
- Nearby: Combine art with the city's temples — the marble Janaki Mandir and the older Ram Mandir — using our best things to do in Janakpur.
Featured in
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Frequently asked questions
What is Mithila art?+
Mithila art, also called Madhubani painting, is a folk tradition of the Mithila region around Janakpur. Women cover walls, paper and cloth with bold patterns of gods, fish, peacocks and flowers, using bright colours that were once made from natural pigments.
Can you buy Mithila art in Janakpur?+
Yes. Women's art co-operatives in and around Janakpur sell paintings, cards, cushion covers and other pieces directly to visitors. Buying from a co-operative supports the artists and helps keep the tradition alive.
Can you watch the artists at work?+
Often, yes. Many co-operatives let visitors see women painting, which is one of the highlights of a stop here. It is polite to ask before taking photographs of the artists or their work.
Where do you see Mithila art in Janakpur?+
Several women's co-operatives are based in Janakpur and the surrounding villages. Ask at your hotel or a rickshaw driver to take you to a working centre, where you can both watch the painting and buy pieces.
